Explanation of the Artificial Cultivation Models for Edible Fungi Under Forest Canopies and Related Issues
1 Selection of Fungal Species for Edible Fungi Under Forest Canopies
The fungal species for edible fungi under forest canopies should be selected according to local soil conditions and weather factors, choosing types suited to the site. If it cannot be determined, a small-area trial planting can be carried out to specifically test which fungal species are suitable for cultivation. At the same time, the relevant fungal cultivation should be carried out without damaging the original forest terrain. It should be noted that during cultivation, attention must be paid to harmony with other crops or existing plants.
2 Selection and Treatment of Woodland
Fungi are plants with relatively poor resistance, so during cultivation, areas with relatively clean water sources and soil should be selected as far as possible. Where natural water sources cannot meet the growth needs of the fungi, irrigation can be carried out by connecting to an underground water source or tap water. For land that has never been used to grow fungi, excavation work must be done before it is put into cultivation. The specific steps are: first dig drainage ditches and beds specifically for fungal cultivation, and thoroughly clean the beds. After construction is completed, they must be dried in the sun for several days before use. Also, before actual planting, a certain amount of quicklime must be spread for disinfection. After disinfection, remove the weeds around the beds to ensure the fungi can obtain sufficient nutrients. Spread humus soil in the beds and apply fertilizer; the fertilizer materials used are mostly fermented excrement.
3 Cultivation Models for Edible Fungi Under Forest Canopies
3.1 Open-field Cultivation Between Trees
Open-field cultivation between trees refers to using the spaces between trees on the basis of the original woodland, and cultivating fungi while ensuring that the original ecological structure is not destroyed. For example, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and white fungus are cultivated in this way. During cultivation, to prevent contamination, a layer of film can be laid on the ground surface before planting, or a greenhouse can be built for cultivation.
3.2 Soil-covered Cultivation Under Forest Canopies
The most commonly used fungal cultivation method among farmers in China is soil-covered cultivation under forest canopies. Simply put, it is a type of cultivation method in which fungal spawn is wrapped and planted under the soil so that it develops and grows naturally. For example, maitake mushrooms and tricholoma mushrooms are cultivated in this way. For cultivation, an appropriate distance must be maintained between the fungal spawns to ensure their normal growth and development. After sowing is completed, watering must be carried out. Likewise, to better control changes in humidity and temperature, a greenhouse can be built over the soil or plastic film can be used as cover.
3.3 Sowing Cultivation Under Forest Canopies
Sowing cultivation under forest canopies requires a large soil area, so farmers must reclaim dedicated soil beds and spread the fungal spawn directly onto the beds for cultivation. For example, morel mushrooms are cultivated in this way. For sowing cultivation under forest canopies, raw materials or fermented materials should be selected for the specific sowing according to objective factors such as the local climate, humidity, and temperature. After sowing, a certain thickness of soil must be spread in the beds to simulate the fungi's original growing environment.
3.4 Hanging-bag Cultivation Between Trees
Hanging-bag cultivation between trees is relatively difficult. It mainly uses the distances between trees, tying knots with nylon rope, placing the fungal spawn in small bags, and using three-dimensional space for cultivation. For example, wood ear mushrooms and other varieties of fungi are cultivated in this way.
4 Key Techniques for Edible Fungi Under Forest Canopies
4.1 Implement Scientific Management
During cultivation, any undesirable fungal strains found must be removed immediately to avoid affecting the normal growth of other fungi; the fungi's consumption of the substrate must be observed dynamically, and the amount of fertilizer applied must be controlled according to the remaining amount of fertilizer; the fungal growing environment must be observed by measuring temperature with a thermometer. When the temperature exceeds 28°C, the greenhouse must be opened promptly for ventilation and cooling, and the amount of watering should be moderately increased; after the fungi have fully grown, the original warming devices must be completely removed and the amount of watering further increased. After a few days, they can be picked and harvested.
4.2 Strengthen Pest and Disease Control
Pest control is an important measure to ensure the healthy growth of fungi, so the relevant sanitation work must be done well to cut off the creation of environments suitable for pest growth. At the same time, lime can be sprayed around the beds for sterilization and disinfection, and certain insect-catching devices can also be installed to reduce the number of pests. When using insecticides, insecticides permitted by the state must be used.